Summit of the Old Gods

Lu Ran and Yan Shuangzi repeatedly expressed their gratitude, Yun Qianzhou politely responded, and then courteously saw them off.

It was clear that Alliance Leader Yun urgently needed to retreat again.

Lu Ran, not wanting to disturb further, bid farewell and left with He Qifeng.

Escorted by a Bi He disciple, everyone stepped on the green lotus leaves and returned to Green Lotus Island.

On the way, Lu Ran and He Qifeng chatted idly.

Yan Shuangzi did not flicker away; she stood slightly behind Lu Ran, watching the Mist Rain Lake under the fine drizzle.

Like a curious child.

There are those who watch the lake and enjoy the rain, unaware that they themselves are a scenery.

Deng Yuxiang stood beside Yan Shuangzi, a hint of indulgence in her eyes as she gazed at her best friend, sensing the joy emanating from the depths of her friend's heart.

The return of sight brought significant change to Yan Shuangzi.

Yan Shuangzi always seemed to be in darkness, but now she finally revealed some brightness and radiance.

Inadvertently, the two women's gazes met.

Deng Yuxiang slightly raised her eyebrows, her face adorned with a gentle smile.

Yan Shuangzi's expression was somewhat complex, and she naturally diverted her gaze.

The impression of Lu Ran had undergone a magnificent transformation.

Deng Yuxiang was not to be outdone!

Her appearance had not changed much, remaining brilliantly dazzling as before, but internally, she had already made a qualitative leap!

The pressure unique to the Yangyang Sea continually intimidated the weak creatures around her.

Seeing Deng Yuxiang's powerful demeanor, Yan Shuangzi could not help but compare herself to her.

She was supposed to stand at the same height as Deng Yuxiang, perhaps even surpass her...

But now the gap between them was like clouds and mud.

"You have the Magic Artifact·Moonlight Tassel Sachet, you will catch up slowly." Deng Yuxiang's voice was uncharacteristically gentle.

There weren't many she treated with such tenderness.

She understood Yan Shuangzi well, especially now that the other had eyes to better express emotions.

Deng Yuxiang's naturally hanging hand gently grasped the counterpart's newly grown hand.

Her skin was like condensed cream, delicate and soft.

Drenched by the fine rain, cool to the touch.

"Hmm." Yan Shuangzi softly agreed, habitually lowering her head.

Deng Yuxiang gently played with her friend's slender jade-like hand, not the least bit jealous concerning the Moonlight Tassel Sachet.

On one hand, she truly hoped her dear friend would quickly catch up.

On the other hand...

At this moment, on Deng Yuxiang's left middle finger, she wore a Magic Artifact·Blood Jade Ring.

That was given to her by Lu Ran.

Just the day after Xue Fengchen advanced, Lu Ran no longer needed to control the Mad Dragon Spear, and according to the early decided distribution plan, he gifted the ring to Big Nightmare.

Later, while the two were interrogating Lv Xiao, Deng Yuxiang even lightly rotated the ring on her finger before Lv Xiao's face.

Unfortunately, by then, Lv Xiao couldn't muster any spirit anymore.

Burned by the Soul Fire, he had lost all temper and was no longer the majestic Sect Master of Thunder Mountain.

As for the Blood Jade Ring acknowledging a new master, Lv Xiao wouldn't dare have a word of objection.

Deng Yuxiang was very pleased with Sect Master Lu's attitude.

The only dissatisfaction was that the ring was a bit large for her slender fingers and didn't fit quite right.

However, the Blood Jade Ring was a Magic Artifact!

No matter how Deng Yuxiang moved her hand, the Blood Jade Ring stayed securely fixed in place, motionless.

"You've returned."

The island guards had already reported the situation, and by the time the lotus leaves arrived at the small courtyard in the forest, Jiang Ruyi was already there to greet them.

After bidding farewell, the escort personnel quickly left.

"You haven't met Ruyi yet, have you?" Lu Ran turned to Yan Shuangzi.

Yan Shuangzi gently nodded, looking at the white-clad, ethereal Jiang Immortal, somewhat taken by surprise.

When she ventured into the mountains, "Heavenly Pride" didn't exist, so she hadn't seen Jiang Ruyi's face.

Jiang Ruyi's voice was clear and cold, and Yan Shuangzi had imagined the Sect Master's wife with an ethereal elegance, already having a fixed impression in her heart.

And seeing her in person now...

Yan Shuangzi was startled to find that the other was even three times cooler than she had imagined.

"Lady." Yan Shuangzi was momentarily dazed before she curtly saluted.

Jiang Ruyi gently supported Yan Shuangzi's arm, delighted to see the newly restored eyes.

Yu Changsheng was also quite excited, "The Heavenly Grade medical skill indeed allows for regrowth of limbs."

In a good mood, Lu Ran began to shower compliments:

"Sir, your miraculous foresight proved true!"

"Yes." With a smile, Yu Changsheng leisurely fanned his paper fan.

He Qifeng had a strange look on his face, observing the self-satisfied Yu Changsheng, feeling his perception had been overturned.

This wise and strategic strategist of the Lu Sect always appeared mature and steady.

So why did a few words of praise make him so happy?

Is he a child?

"You have beautiful eyes." Jiang Ruyi said softly, her fingertips gently brushing Yan Shuangzi's eyes.

With these eyes, the Evil Dog Evil Skill·Evil Recognition can be fully utilized!

In this way, Lu Ran's security level would be greatly enhanced.

Yan Shuangzi remained silent and still, allowing the Lady to admire her.

Yu Changsheng suddenly said, "Sect Master, Elder Bai's eyes..."

Lu Ran said helplessly, "Alliance Leader Yun has entered meditation again, and it's said to be for a long time."

Yu Changsheng couldn't help but sigh in disappointment.

He Yingcai softly suggested, "Later, I'll visit the Mingyue Island owner. Once Alliance Leader Yun finishes, she can inform us promptly."

"Alright, let's start the meeting first." Lu Ran stepped towards the house but suddenly looked at Yu Changsheng.

Yu Changsheng was puzzled.

Lu Ran smiled and said, "Before Alliance Leader Yun comes out, Mr. Cong Long might take a step further, reach the Fifth Rank of the Sea Realm, and then directly advance to the Heavenly Realm!"

Yu Changsheng: "..."

Sect Master, actually, you are more beautiful than me.

Wishful thinking.

"One must have dreams!" Lu Ran patted Yu Changsheng's shoulder, giving an encouraging shake.

"I will do my best, sir." Yu Changsheng responded.

"Hou Yun, keep watch." He Qifeng instructed, "I'm going to discuss some matters with Master Lu."

Hou Yun immediately nodded and stayed in the courtyard, while under Jiang Ruyi's gaze, Xue Fengchen, clutching the Mad Dragon Spear, also stayed.

As everyone entered the house, the two on duty exchanged a glance and nodded politely.

During their time in the Human World, the two Heavenly Prides had spiritually connected for a long time but had never truly met. It was unexpected that their first encounter would be within the Holy Spirit Mountain.

One was ranked eighteenth, the other eighty-seventh.

The rank difference was significant, but the strength difference was quite the opposite. It was because Feng'er became River Realm earlier that the rankings in "Heavenly Pride" were suppressed so low.

Now Xue Fengchen had reached the Sea Realm, while Hou Yun remained at the River Realm Peak, which was the best proof.

"Congratulations, Xue Tianjiao." Hou Yun took the initiative to speak, admiration clear in his eyes.

Xue Fengchen encouraged, "Once you determine your path, you can advance quickly as well."

"May I ask, what path does Xue Tianjiao walk?"

Instantly, in Xue Fengchen's mind, the face of Lu Ran flashed by...

Meanwhile, in the hall inside the house.

The soldiers of the Ran Sect gathered together, discussing the next plan.

Now that the Qianzhou Islands crisis had passed, staying longer would only leave room for feasting.

Their recent lives had been filled with battle and cultivation, combined with long shifts and constant vigilance; they indeed needed some rest.

However, Lu Ran and He Qifeng were not ones to enjoy leisure.

"I'm planning to set off soon to attack Thunder Mountain, how about it?" Lu Ran sat at the head, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

Yu Changsheng shook his head and sighed, "After so long, those at Thunder Mountain haven't come to cause trouble, they seem to have swallowed their pride and been thoroughly frightened.

On this trip to Thunder Mountain, we might not see a single soul."

He Qifeng, sharing Lu Ran's thoughts, said gravely:

"Even so, we must investigate, perhaps they still harbor illusions, holding onto their base."

"That's true." Yu Changsheng looked at He Qifeng and asked, "The Wind Emperor's Big Wind Hall, is it unsuitable to work with us on this task?"

"It's indeed not suitable to attack Thunder Mountain, but we need to return to the Forbidden City." He Qifeng grinned, uttering two words, "On the way."

"That's great." Lu Ran nodded repeatedly, "On the way, walk with us to the mountain's foot and wait for a while, provide us support."

He Qifeng chuckled.

Truly, heroes think alike!

"Then it's settled!" Lu Ran glanced over the group, "If any stubborn forces remain at Thunder Mountain, we'll wipe them out!

If Thunder Mountain is deserted, we'll scour it."

Everyone agreed, and after devising a travel plan, He Yingcai spoke softly, "Sect Leader."

"Hmm?"

"My stay or leave..." He Yingcai showed a searching expression.

He Qifeng played with the Tiger Talisman, glancing at the Blue Lotus Island owner.

Upon realizing a while ago that this Sea Realm major island owner had also been brought into Lu Ran's fold, He Qifeng cursed inwardly several times.

Little Ran dog, indeed cunning!

His secretive manipulations were unparalleled!

Everyone was unaware that a member of the Thousand Boat Alliance had already joined Ran Sect, fundamentally changing the allegiance of those on Blue Lotus Island.

Hmm... just like myself.

The Big Wind Hall, the Forbidden City, all belonged to him...

"Hmm." Lu Ran pondered briefly.

Yu Changsheng timely spoke up, "Now that the Thousand Boat Alliance is stable, especially with the Heavenly Realm·Alliance Leader Yun present, it must be very safe.

Sect Leader, why not let the General Yingcai stay on Blue Lotus Island, continuing as an island owner!

This will keep Ran Sect informed of all matters within the Thousand Boat Alliance, and facilitate our requests for assistance and subsequent strategy adjustments..."

Yu Changsheng's words had the audience nodding thoughtfully.

Only He Yingcai gazed at Yu Changsheng's handsome profile with deep eyes.

Lu Ran asked, "What do you think, Senior Sister?"

He Yingcai withdrew her gaze, looked at Lu Ran, and smiled helplessly, "Whatever the sect leader says, I will follow."

Lu Ran smiled at the beautiful lady.

To push an elegant disciple like Bi He to such a state, Yu Changsheng is truly someone!

Alright, Senior Sister He, I'll create one last opportunity for you.

After all, feelings cannot be forced.

Lu Ran instructed, "Mr. Cong Long has two Divine Weapons, a fan and a sword, lend one to General Yingcai, facilitating our real-time communication."

Yu Changsheng: "Yes."

"Everyone, disperse and rest for a day, adjust your conditions. Tomorrow morning, we'll set off!" Lu Ran decided firmly, his gaze turning somber.

"Target, Thunder Mountain."

...